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Jennifer Saunders

Jennifer Saunders

Date of birth: 06-07-1958

Jennifer Saunders climbs onto The Magic Faraway Tree

Playing the ruthless grandma

Jennifer Saunders has been cast in the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children's classic, The Magic Faraway Tree.

The Ab Fab star will play the kids’ ruthless Grandma in the movie-currently being shot in Southern England.

Ghosts star Simon Farnaby – who penned Wonka and Paddington 2 – adapted Blyton’s story for the screen, with Ben Gregory whose credits include  Cuckoo, Black Ops and Fatherhood, directing.

Also announced as joining the cast today are Hiran Abeysekera, who starred in the stage adaptation of The Life of Pi,  as the Angry Pixie and Gangs of London's Pippa Bennett-Warner as Grandma’s assistant, Hannah.

Producer Pippa Harris said: ‘Just when we thought our casting line-up couldn’t get any more thrilling, we have been joined by these hugely gifted actors. I know they will bring wit, wonder and warmth to their performances and we’re delighted that they are joining us for this magical adventure’

The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche.

Simon William of Ashland Hill Media Finance, which is funding the film, said: ‘‘It’s a remarkable opportunity to have gathered such a stellar and magnetic cast.

’We couldn’t be more excited for audiences of all ages to be transported into a world they’ve never seen before, and to experience this wondrous story come to life’.

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Published: 8 Aug 2024

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Products

Book (2013)
Bonkers: My Life in Laughs by Jennifer Saunders

DVD (2009)
Jam and Jerusalem Series 2

DVD (2008)
French And Saunders Series 1-6

DVD (2008)
Jam and Jerusalem

DVD (2007)
French And Saunders: Back With A Vengeance

DVD (2007)
Comic Strip Presents: Complete Collection

DVD (2007)
The Best of Saturday Live Series 1

DVD (2007)
Let Them Eat Cake

DVD (2007)
Girls On Top: The Complete Series

DVD (2006)
French And Saunders: Back With A Vengeance

Past Shows

TV

Life And Times Of Vivienne Vyle


Tour

French And Saunders Live

French And Saunders: Still Alive


Agent

We do not currently hold contact details for Jennifer Saunders's agent. If you are a comic or agent wanting your details to appear here, for a one-off fee of £59, email steve@chortle.co.uk.

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